Ara's Archives

VM 101: Rest, heal, and remember your "why".

If you're struggling with the transitionary period, remember: It's okay to pause, take a step back, rest, then return. The foundation of your work becomes more whole and healthy when you do. -- I’d rather you just listen this time. So, let’s act like we’re in a text thread — listen to my voice memo when you can. Sending love, light, peace, and hugs your way. <3 Don’t lose hope, ARA Get full access to Ara's Archives at arasarchives.substack.com/subscribe [https://arasarchives.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Don’t settle: ‘Opportunities are looking for YOU’

Entertainment industry, guidance from my manager, & life-lessons -- The past week has been a masterclass in the art of pivoting. I’ve been learning how to * maintain strength by shifting gears * pour energy into what is life-giving while walking away from what isn’t * set boundaries from a place of advocacy instead of anxiety. Self-trust and autonomy are foundational to my work and growth in womanhood. A big part of evolving and taking ownership for your life as an adult is the practice of agency. Your ability to make assured decisions and act independently is significant. Dominion is revealed through governance. Self-control is key. What does it look like for you to maintain your birthright authority? For me: It’s not about what happens. It’s about how I choose to respond. How do you handle disappointment? How do you stay committed despite motivation or support? How do you respond to change? Perspective is a powerful tool, and in many ways, the gateway to your peace. You don’t have to understand everything in order to keep it. DON’T BE BITTER — GET BETTER I’m grateful for a recent experience confirming these lessons. I’m also grateful for the people who gently hold me with love while I real-time live and learn. Sometimes transition hits us fast and hard. Other times, it’s the straw that breaks the camel’s back — less about the single situation causing defeat and more about the accumulation of weight. The weight of loneliness. The weight of fear. The weight of frustration. The weight of confusion. The weight of being misunderstood. The weight of responsibility.The weight of resilience. The weight of waiting. Yes, it all adds up. Yet, the pounding increase builds your faith muscle. Here’s what I know: Success (the accomplishment of an aim or purpose) is coming. That’s why I leave a paper trail of struggles. By the time people and opportunities catch up to the greatness I’ve held all along, there will be no question of who I am or how I landed where I am headed. IT’S WORKING FOR MY GOOD So, about the latest letdown aka setup: Those who know me, or catch up through my posts, are aware I am rebuilding entirely. Literally, transforming my body through weight loss, healing habits, renewing my mind, navigating the entertainment industry after stepping away — all while evolving through motherhood and marriage. I feel like I’m in a constant multi-tasking mode. Sometimes, I just want a chance to compartmentalize and hyperfocus but I also know wearing many hats is just a part of my nature. I actually enjoy the dance. The balancing act of coordination. The rhythm of life I am creating. The interconnected movement as I switch between versions of myself. Lately, I find my growth moving at a visibly rapid pace. Time requires intentional management, and I am doing my best to steward what’s in front of me. This standard is helping me filter out misalignments, identify my non-negotiables, and move closer to the ‘thing’ I sense is coming (as I mentioned in another post [https://open.substack.com/pub/arasarchives/p/before-elevation-comes-separation?r=5lpkk7&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web]). I have ideas and hopes, but I know God always supersedes my expectations. It’s one of those ‘more than you can ask, think, or imagine’ moments. My spirit knows it well. Like I’ve said before, I’m rebuilding — not starting from scratch. And honestly, it’s humbling. I’ve already experienced so much, yet I have to approach certain things, specifically my acting path, like a newbie. I’m filled with wisdom, but when I enter spaces, people assume I’m green. So I observe long enough to understand what’s worth revealing and what’s better left unsaid, allowing people to place me in whatever box their mind needs. That comes from discernment, not strategy. There was a time when my artistry operated from ‘I just want the opportunity.’ So I gave teacher’s pet, overachiever, whatever was required. Listen, I’m so far from that now. Thank God! Today, I’m making conscious choices. I know my value. I know what I bring to the table. I’m not a means to an end. I’m a whole collaborator, a partner, an asset. Period. I had to walk in this truth, head high, when negotiating a recent production agreement for a film I booked. As artists, we can be so desperate for visibility that we avoid accountability. I stand by the wisdom statement my father taught me about relationships as a teen. “Be mindful of those who skip steps.” This applies personally and professionally. I am at a point where I know in order to get to the fun stuff (the creative ‘play’, the craft), there needs to be a foundation laid including clear logistics and planning. I am not above certain kinds of work, but I’m done settling for disorganization and inconsistency. I deserve counterparts who are passionate, prepared, and purposeful. Whatever field you pursue, please remember you do too. When you start raising the bar, you have to be okay with sitting in the discomfort of patiently seeking those most aligned. Sometimes, it begins with people falling away or opening a door that has to be closed until you come across the right one. In this case, I was cast as the lead. I auditioned a few weeks ago and really liked the script. I was getting the opportunity to travel a few hours away and connect with some industry folks. What I love! However, it became clear as time progressed pre-production planning could have been stronger. I say this from experience not judgement. If you know, you know. I had already scheduled a photography session the day before I needed to arrive on set the next day. So, I was in the city. I was ready to get to work and do what I do. Kid you not. The night right before call time, I get notification “We will have to move forward with production without Kiara.” The waterworks! To briefly fill you in: Production kept snoozing contracts. By the time they submitted, (hell yeah) I reviewed thoroughly and included addendums. Read the fine print, my friend. It’s 2026. My manager followed up with other negotiating terms and stood ground — not big asks, just protection clauses. By the way: Keep it in writing, hun. Don’t fall for anything verbal. Guidelines are a sign of respect not ridiculous or overbearing demands. It’s okay to have them clearly laid out. Don’t let people convince you (in any form of relationship) that it’s ‘too much’ to value clarity. HOW DID I PROCESS First, I allowed myself to feel. I swear, I am so blessed to have the manager I do. She understands the holistic approach to artistry. She doesn’t just coach me career-wise but character as well. She not only believes in me as a talent but also my whole personhood. The way she was present to help me process emotionally was encouraging and enlightening. For a quick second, I started to get in my head. For context, I experienced something like this about two years ago. I was cast in this dope, creative project and long story short, one of the producers tried to be sheisty last-minute when it came to business. Again, I had to walk away. The test repeated itself. I passed. I turned the energy into fire under my butt. I realized, I still have power just because the opportunity didn’t work out. What did I do? I used everything I was prepared to do on set and produced my own scene while bettering my filmmaking skillsets. I strategized and gained a lot more confidence for the vision. I kept momentum. I still watered other areas of my life like family and health to keep my vessel full. I ‘touched grass’ (literally). I enjoyed nature. I remained grateful and aware of how blessed I am (like seriously, this is considered a letdown in my world — there are way bigger issues going on). I still spoke life. I spent meaningful time with friends. By the way, so much love to the friend who initially supported me through this. Love you lots! All that to say, what I did was . . . I MOVED ON. I didn’t compromise. I didn’t lose heart. I kept going. And not long after, I got an offer for another project. One that didn’t take nearly as much stress. One that was more aligned with my worth. Let this be your reminder today to not settle. Stand strong, ARA Get full access to Ara's Archives at arasarchives.substack.com/subscribe [https://arasarchives.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Before ‘Elevation’ Comes Separation

My love, the threshold you’re about to cross requires a steadfast, secure, confident mindset. OLD AND NEW EYES WILL BE ON YOU. -- STAY READY SO YOU DON’T GOT TO GET READY The phases of moving from what one might call wilderness to promise, isolation to the crowd, rehearsal to showtime, hibernation to spring . . . ‘Behold, a new thing!’ You get it. I am aware that I’m currently walking on a bridge — the middle ground connecting two parallels. I’ve been through seasons like this before, so I can recognize the patterns. Right before elevation comes separation, and within the process, revelation. What you do with the in-between is completely up to you. In many phases of development, my spirit has sensed that the part of the cycle I’m in is preparation. I know the power of waiting. I used to be a visionary when it came to tangible goals and physical blessings. But as I mature, the vision I carry now is less about what I want to obtain and more about who I am becoming as I reach the breakthrough. For example, right before I met my husband, I entered a season of singleness that tested my faith in companionship and expanded my capacity for love. Prior to us meeting and becoming friends, I left a friend group. I spent a great deal of time alone. It was a ‘just me and God’ space. I lived by myself in a one-bedroom apartment, and some days those walls felt like they were closing in. Disclaimer: This is not a message suggesting that wholeness only comes from being in a relationship because that isn’t true. But in that season of my life, I had a clear vision: “The next place I live, I don’t want a roommate. I want it to be with my partner. I’m ready to share my life with someone — the day-to-day, the mundane. I want to build and create my own family.” I deeply desired marriage, and I refused to let anyone discourage me from it. I also refused to feel ashamed because I was ready and others were not. “You’re too young.” “You talk about this a lot.” Yes, I did. That’s what you do when you believe in something. I wrote about it. I spoke life into it through music. I kept my expectations high, even through disappointment. And without realizing it, I was already in the vicinity of what I was hoping for. It was never about if. It was about when. Another example goes back to a fourteen-year-old girl having faith she would move to Georgia to pursue performance art because she had outgrown her Elyria roots. The physical manifestation began with auditioning for a new school. Even when that dream was delayed, she never saw it as denial. She trusted what she heard from that still, small voice. She could see before she could see. What that voice is whispering to me today is this: “Share this with someone who is in this same place, because the word I’m speaking over you is for them too.” Ara's Archives is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. TO WHOM THIS MAY CONCERN Hey, Siri! Cue Jill Scott. ♪ I’ma go head and be great, why not? My love, the threshold you’re about to cross requires a steadfast, secure, confident mindset. OLD AND NEW EYES WILL BE ON YOU. It is not the time to be unsure of yourself. That’s why the development has been this extensive. When the light hits your corner, oh trust . . . you are going to shine. Do you hear me? SHINE. The truths you’ve gathered will expel lies. You are a representation of healing and the joy of humanity. BE OKAY WITH TAKING UP SPACE. You are not too much. You are enough. YOU ARE CLOSER THAN YOU THINK. See what I’m about to do is I’ma walk in this room and I’m gonna let them see, God, Jehovah’s will, all over me. ᯓ‎𝄞 WHILE YOU WAIT Here are some actionable steps to take this week. * Spend intentional time in prayer and meditation for 30 minutes to an hour. No distractions. Whatever helps you land on the inner destination of Love & Peace so that you hear clearly and that your divine download is streaming from the right place. * During that time, be a scribe. Write down the vision even if you’ve done it before. Document the exchange. * Intentionally place 5 words of encouragement around your environment (i.e., phone lock screen, bathroom mirror, car dashboard, a bedroom wall, refrigerator, etc). Think of it like love notes to yourself or kisses from God. Be reminded of the ‘substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen’ throughout your day. * Keep applying and seeking after rejection. You are seed sowing. Eventually, something will blossom. ‘Bloom where you’re planted.’ * Embrace change and whatever you feel called to let go. * Give grace to yourself and then extend it to someone else. * Abide. Remain steadfast in discipline. SOMETHING GREAT IS ON THE WAY. Enjoy the process of becoming the person who is ready to receive it. There is more in store, ARA Recent episodes below. Listen now! Get full access to Ara's Archives at arasarchives.substack.com/subscribe [https://arasarchives.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Why Collaboration Feels Like Competition

Hierarchy, exclusion, and the messy reality of 'community' -- NOTE: If you’d like to have your work promoted on an episode, please read the invitation section near the bottom of this post. Details listed below. SILENT STRUGGLES WITHIN ‘COMMUNITY’ Sometimes, as a creative person, I find it difficult to rest in simply sharing my work. Online spaces can feel over-saturated with independent content, self-help gurus, and endless advice about ‘how to succeed’ or ‘how to grow your audience’. And there’s always the reminder that just because you’re talented doesn’t mean your work will get the recognition or attention it deserves. Creating for yourself is one thing. I actually know many private, hobbyist artists who are happy in that space. But, if I’m honest, I don’t want my art to stay private. I want the time I spend pushing through, trying to capture a moment in raw, authentic expression, to be valued. I also wonder how true collaboration is supposed to look as an adult. It was easier in school, where environments were designed to foster teamwork to complete assignments. Now, outside of that bubble, it feels like people lean toward competition. A lot of people want to be number one, to have their own thing, which makes combining ideas feel threatening. Somehow one person will end up feeling small or someone needs to be ‘the head’. I keep asking myself: How do we co-lead? How do we invite partnership instead of falling into ‘you work for me’ dynamics? How do we better support diversity in creation? Who are we overlooking but not helping? It’s like choosing to invest in Walmart instead of a small local business when they carry the same product. Meaning, as consumers, we fund what’s already popular and convenient. Transparently, I’m guilty of it too. We often treat exposure or visibility as a measure of worth, showing favoritism toward what’s shiny, ignoring what’s quieter, less known, but just as meaningful. That idea brings me to James 2:1-4 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James%202%3A1-4&version=CSB], which speaks about favoritism. But it’s not just a church problem — it’s universal. Even in church, hierarchies often determine whose gifts get recognized. In college, I visited many churches where if you weren’t ‘in favor’ with the pastor or a family, you couldn’t exercise your gifts. You were stuck in volunteer roles that benefited the church itself rather than your own growth *(all labeled as ‘servanthood’). The same pattern appears in other spaces: local organizations, non-profits, companies. It becomes the cycle of the haves and the have-nots. A few get all the access, recognition, or opportunity, while the rest are left on the sidelines or killing themselves to keep up in a system that isn’t designed for them anyway. Often, it’s not about hard work alone but about ‘who you know’. That definitely gets exhausting, surely does feel fake, and overall it’s discouraging. So what happens? Everyone starts doing their own thing. And that’s understandable! Why wait to be seen? Especially, when there are too many tools available to remain hidden. Consequently, the result is a gap in true collaboration. Sometimes, I’ve made a lane for the misfits, only to find that the people I invite in don’t want to share the work or leadership. They want the credit but not the effort. Going back to church, especially in revival-focused communities, people measure success by how many belong to ‘my church’ or ‘my Bible study’. Leadership becomes more about exclusivity than community. Planning events, maintaining attention and favor, rejecting anything unfamiliar . . . again, the same patterns repeat. Ara's Archives is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. I’m just tired of it. People constantly promote ‘you need community’, but what does that actually mean? The dictionary says community is: * A group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common. * A feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals. Yet, the practice tends to fall short. We are told to join, to participate, to collaborate but why? Do you really have to ‘play the game’? What some people teach as strategy is just flat out manipulation. Stop using people as resources and actually invest in relational wealth. There I said it. Not just for you, but for my own convictions as well. And if you’re wondering . . . Yes, there are people to help us along on the journey without always having deep intimacy or closeness. But, do you actually care about the person, not just what they provide? Or is it really all about your needs? When you take, is there anything you can offer back? It may not be something monetary or physical. However, a simple ‘thank you’, ‘I see you’, ‘I appreciate you’; lending your time, ear, or wisdom goes a long way. Ask someone how they’re really doing beyond the work or moment. See the soul. Again, not just the strategy. We lack connection and it shows. How can we change that? MY INVITATION TO YOU I want to better support the talents and initiatives of the people around me. Although I’m one person, I will try my best to engage with everyone. Please share at least one digital project such as an article, video, post, podcast episode, or creative piece that you want more engagement, feedback, or review on. Three ways to share (your preference): * In the The Archives [Group] chat here [https://open.substack.com/chat/posts/2ab526c5-f5f6-4169-8486-86e725471c19?r=5lpkk7&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=share] * In the comment section of this post * Email kiaraimanproductions@gmail.com [kiaraimanproductions@gmail.com] I’m so excited! If you’re open, I’d love to promote your work on the next episode of Ara’s Archives too. I am also open to collaborating on other ideas if you have any. Just let me know! Until then, ARA Recent episodes below. Listen now! Thanks for reading Ara's Archives! This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Ara's Archives at arasarchives.substack.com/subscribe [https://arasarchives.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

What It's Really Been Like: Rebuilding Post-Baby

Where do I even begin? Maybe the birth story? Actually, no! That one deserves a whole series if y’all really want the full picture. So for now, let’s just start right here. Baby, I don’t know about you . . . but 2025 was hard. To all the mamas snapping back, seriously, I commend you. That was not my story. Let’s just say the emergency c-section — EMERGENCY C-SECTIONED. “Baby’s head is being squeezed every time you contract. The heart rate is dropping.” What in the Grey’s Anatomy is this? Those words paralyzed me. The epidural was at full capacity. I could feel the tingling sensation moving throughout my legs, but they were useless. “Come on, we need to keep turning her.” The nurse tried every possible position. Nothing. Then, fear seeped in. “I’m sorry. You’re not dilating enough.” The shakes. The chills. A mental coldness that reached my bones. I accepted my fate. Blue wall.  Burning flesh. Hard tugs. Weight released. First scream. Rush of emotions. Where are you baby? Where is my baby? I hear you, but do not feel you. My pain arising. What’s happening here? “Doctor, I don’t feel so good. I’m numb but I feel a deep pain in my chest.”  Anesthesia. Somebody  get  me  some  g&#%!  ANESTHESIA. White light. Blackout. “Kiara. Kiara. Can you hear me?” All a muffling blur. “Hi, sweetie. I’m just trying to keep you warm…” BE GENTLE Listen to me carefully. Pregnancy and postpartum are such vulnerable times for women. It is different for each person. Be careful not to box anybody in. What works for one may not for another. So, be aware. Be gentle. Be respectful. Be kind. You see, I didn’t need people walking me through their idea of motherhood with overbearing presence, unsolicited advice, and enormous expectations. I simply desired support that encouraged self-trust alongside reassurance, space to process, and time to heal. For those who paused and recognized this, I truly am thankful. RECOVERY You said twelve weeks? Ha! Multiply that. I couldn’t even poo for like the first two. Baby, I don’t wish that on my worst enemy! When I walked I felt like my insides ‘was falling out’. Breastfeeding while having no core connection was a flex. Unfortunately, I ended up back in the hospital because my heart gave out due to labor and delivery stress yet prayer changes things. Amen? I experienced several miracles on that cardiac floor. Love through fear, protection through pain, covering through discouragement, and healing despite doctor reports. Praise be unto God! Slowly, day by day, my body showcased its superpowers. I wear my cape proudly. I did it. I carried and gave birth to a beautiful, healthy baby. I suffered and endured, and I got my reward. There is so much eternal light and love shining through our tiny human. My husband and I try our best to parent in a way that allows our baby to reveal who he was already divinely created to be, instead of projecting our own narratives onto him. It is a beautiful journey watching him unfold and reveal himself as he grows. This is what recovery has been for me. The real me could only be revealed through a challenging chisel, one that stretched me, pressed me, and is still sculpting me into something wonderful. The ongoing healing process is mental as much as it is physical. I’ve had a wake up call to identity and the importance of shifting when your season does. The more I tried to hold on to a past version of myself, the harder it was to embrace who I am now. Do you find yourself holding on to highlight moments or times of grief, constantly looking back but struggling to stay present? If so, let go and live on. REBUILD AND REPLENISH My word for the year is replenish. Now that I’ve spent enough energy releasing it’s time to refuel. My foot is on the gas but not like it was before. Reaching goals looks different. It’s less about results and more about sustainability. I am creating systems I can maintain even on my weak days. Since transitioning from being an over achiever to resting in excellence expressed as high achievement, I can confidently say the standard is just me. While I’m inspired by others, I now relish the freedom of being released from comparison. This season of rebuilding has been my own marathon. It’s been looking like * Working out consistently because I want to love my body (more on this in another post) * Creating without validation * Ideating and executing * Documenting the ups and downs * Keeping faith and vision in the forefront * Patience, consistency, and perseverance A lot of this is invisible work yet what I’m most proud of. This feels right. This feels good! Your public life is the symptom; your private habits are the cause. CHALLENGE I completed day 11 of my personal discipline routine. It includes a specific focus on health and wellness, but I want to encourage you to think of something that would require at least 21 days of commitment. What is something you keep complaining about but neglecting? Do you find yourself feeling jealous, inadequate, or low? Where can you better show up for yourself? What will foster growth? Whenever I’m starting over or embracing a new chapter of development, I think of the snowball method. Start small until momentum rolls in. What is one actionable step you can take to begin? Whether it’s a project, for weight loss, a spiritual evolution, relational investment, removing distraction, or something else, I want you to know someone’s cheering you on. If you don’t have purpose partners in your life at the moment, I’m honored to be one. If I can rebuild, you can too. No excuses. But promise me this . . . Do it because you want to, not because you feel forced to keep up. I hope you unlock newfound strength as you make progress. If you want to join in, I’d be more than happy to host a community for us. Ways to stay engaged: * Leave a comment sharing your start date * Text me in The Archives [Group] Chat here [https://open.substack.com/pub/arasarchives/chat?r=5lpkk7&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=share] * Respond via email to kiaraimanproductions@gmail.com [kiaraimanproductions@gmail.com] with the subject title “21 Day Challenge” Chat more next week, ARA Get full access to Ara's Archives at arasarchives.substack.com/subscribe [https://arasarchives.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]